How to Build a DIY Farmhouse Entryway Console Table

Dimensions

Cut List

Take 2×4 and cut four pieces to 48″ in length using a miter saw. Then drill pocket holes in three of the 2x4s as shown in the picture. When drilling pocket holes the Kreg Jig should be set up for 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws, since we’re using 2x4s. These 48″ long boards will be used for the tabletop.

To prevent the boards from shifting when screwing in the pocket hole screws, use pipe clamps to hold the boards together. First, apply wood glue between the boards and then clamp them. Use 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws to attach the boards.  

Next, take 2×4 and cut four pieces to 36″ in length. These boards will be used for entryway table legs. Then drill two pocket holes on one end of each leg. The pocket holes should be drilled for 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws. 

The legs need to be attached 1″ away from the edge of the tabletop. So on the bottom of the tabletop measure and mark 1″ from all four edges. Attach the legs to the tabletop on four corners at 1″ mark using 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. Make sure that the legs are perfectly squared to the tabletop. This will make the leg support installation easier. 

Take 2×4 and cut two pieces to 39″ in length and two pieces to 9″ in length using a miter saw. Then with a table saw rip these boards in half, so you’ll end up with four 39″ long pieces and four 9″ long pieces. If you do not have a table saw, you could use 2×2 boards instead. Drill two pocket holes at each end of the board. These leg support boards will be used to connect the legs together. 

Place the 39″ boards and 9″ boards between the legs as shown in the picture. Secure these boards to the legs using 2 1/2″ pocket holes screws. You could also use a few screws to attach these leg supports directly to the tabletop.

The lower leg supports need to be installed 1 1/2″ from the floor. You could always adjust this measurement higher or lower to your preference. Measure and mark 1 1/2″ from the bottom of each leg. Then attach the 39″ boards and 9″ board to the legs using 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws.  

For the bottom shelf, take 1×8 board and cut seven pieces to 12″ in length. The two pieces on the left and right side of the table will have a notch to wrap around the legs, see picture. Using a table saw cut out 3 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ notch on both sides of the board. Next, the middle board will need to be trimmed to 2 1/2″ in width. Your measurement might be slightly different, so make sure to measure the space between the boards before making the cut. 

Now place 1×8 boards on the lower leg support boards inside the table and attach them with nail gun using 1 1/4″ brad nails. 

To make a cross at the ends of the table, take 2×4 and cut two pieces to 33″ in length. These boards will be cut shorter later on. Then with a table saw, rip both of the boards in half, so you’ll have four 33″ long pieces. 

Take one of the boards and hold it against the side of the table diagonally at the location where it will be installed. Then on the backside of the board draw a line on top and bottom marking where to cut it. The total length of the board should be around 31 5/8″ with 13-degree miter cuts on both ends. The second board for the cross should be an exact mirror of the first one. 

Once both boards are cut to the right length, insert the boards at its correct location and draw the lines on the backside for the lap joint. Use a miter saw with a blade stopper that will cut a notch 7/8″ deep. The blade stopper allows you to stop at a certain height. Rotate the blade to match the angle of the lap joint. Slide the blade thru the notch area and make multiple cuts. Use a wood chisel to remove wood pieces from the notch. Repeat the process for the second cross. 

Apply wood glue inside the lap joint and join the board together creating a cross. Insert the cross inside the table between the legs and attach it to the legs using a nail gun with 2″ brad nails. 

Before staining the table use a random orbital sander with 220 sand disk and sand the entire table. Also, sand the edges of the table to make the corners slightly rounded. 

When applying stain, make sure to apply pre-stain first to prevent blotching, especially if you’re using pinewood. Then apply stain and wipe it off with a clean cloth. After the stain dries, apply a coat of matte polyurethane. You’re done with a DIY farmhouse entryway console table.